Olympic diving champions Tian Liang and Guo Jingjing yesterday said they saw no problem with their high-profile socialising in Hong Kong after the diving team manager criticised them for not attending training and having a bad influence on junior athletes. The couple, whose rumoured romance has been filling the tabloids, were guests of honour at the opening of Seibu in Mongkok.

'I'm still on holiday,' Tian said. 'The sports administration has given us a longer break. I know there are a lot of rumours but, as this is my own time, I want to do things I enjoy.' He refused to comment on whether he would enter show business or had signed with the Emperor Entertainment group.

Guo said she did not think there were any problems with their presence in Hong Kong. 'There is nothing bad about this. I'm still taking a break and will join the training sessions again next month,' she said.